By : Ike Philip Abiagom
The CIDO Asthma Foundation on Tuesday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Asthma Day with a massive awareness campaign and free medical outreach aimed at improving the lives of people living with asthma in Igbuzo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event, held at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Event Centre, attracted residents from Igbuzo and neighbouring communities, health practitioners, patients, caregivers and community leaders who gathered to learn more about asthma prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
World Asthma Day, observed every first Tuesday in May, is an annual global event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to raise awareness about asthma and advocate improved care for patients worldwide.
The 2026 theme, “Access to Anti-Inflammatory Inhalers for Everyone with Asthma – Still an Urgent Need,” highlights the importance of making inhaled medications accessible and affordable for asthma patients, especially inhaled corticosteroids used in preventing asthma attacks and reducing avoidable deaths.
Speaking during the event, the Team Lead of the foundation, Dr. Pat Adigwe, said the awareness programme was designed to educate the public on asthma symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and emergency management.
According to him, this year’s campaign focused on making inhaler treatment accessible and affordable for all asthma patients.
He explained that asthma remains one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases globally, affecting over 260 million people and causing more than 450,000 deaths annually, most of which are preventable with proper care and medication.
Dr. Adigwe stressed the importance of inhaler therapy, particularly during emergencies, urging patients not to neglect prescribed medications.
He noted that many asthma-related complications and deaths could be avoided through early diagnosis, proper management and regular use of anti-inflammatory inhalers.
The Chief Co-ordinator of CIDO Asthma Foundation congratulated members of the organisation for sustaining the yearly awareness initiative and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting asthma patients free of charge.
He disclosed that the foundation has so far treated more than 850 asthma patients at no cost, including the provision of free drugs and inhalers.
According to him, the foundation remains the only dedicated asthma treatment centre in Delta State offering free treatment services to patients.
He called on the government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the foundation in expanding its humanitarian services.
“This foundation is open to every asthma patient. We provide free treatment, free drugs and inhalers because we believe nobody should die from asthma due to lack of access to medication,” he said.
The event also featured health talks by medical experts who educated participants on asthma triggers, prevention strategies and the proper use of inhalers.
Many beneficiaries of the foundation shared emotional testimonies on how the organisation had helped them manage their health challenges and remain alive.
The Chairman of the occasion, member representing Oshimili North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Esenwah, was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Hon. Henry Mordi.
The representative commended the founder and management of the foundation for their humanitarian services and dedication to saving lives. He urged the government and relevant stakeholders to support the initiative, describing it as a life-saving intervention for asthma patients across the state.
The presence of Hon. Esenwah’s supporters added excitement to the event as admirers displayed placards and banners expressing solidarity and appreciation for the lawmaker’s support for healthcare initiatives in the constituency.
The World Asthma Day celebration ended on a colourful note, with participants describing the programme as highly educative, impactful and beneficial to the community.